Jim Stewart VFW Memorial Scholarship
School District 99
Woodridge Memorial VFW Post 1578, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, has established a scholarship with the intention of assisting one or more high school students in their pursuit of continuing education. This scholarship was named after former Post Commander Jim Stewart, an Iraqi war veteran, who was very active with many of the VFW causes. Jim died in 1999 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The applicant must demonstrate the spirit of what Comrade Stewart believed in – namely his patriotic and community based principles.
Eligibility – The applicant must be a descendant of a VFW-eligible veteran. That is, he or she must be a son or daughter, granddaughter or grandson, great-granddaughter or great-grandson, or brother or sister of a veteran who is/was eligible for membership into the VFW. That veteran need not be a current member, however. Proof of eligibility is required (DD Form 214).
The applicant must be graduating from either Downers Grove North or Downers Grove South High School (CSD 99) in the current year with plans to pursue a higher education. This refers to schooling beyond the high school level, whether academic, vocational, or technical, taken at any state accredited institution of learning or training. A maximum of two $1,000.00 scholarships will be awarded for the 2021-2022 school year.
Deadlines – The deadline for student applications is March 24, 2023 with the announcement of the winners made by April 21, 2023.
Questions – Address any questions to woodridgevfw@gmail.com or leave a message on the Post answering machine at 630-910-1578. Be sure and leave a return phone number with your message.
VFW Eligibility Work Sheet
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Robert R. Kolling Memorial Scholarship
robert-kolling-scholarship-application
Robert R. Kolling Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Woodridge Memorial Post 1578 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars with the intention of assisting a student military veteran, or a relative of, attending College of DuPage in their pursuit of continuing education. The applicant must demonstrate the spirit of what Comrade Kolling believed in – namely his patriotic and community based principles, and his desire for continuing education. This fund was established and shall be implemented annually, beginning with the fall session of the 2020-2021 school year. One $500 (scholarship grant) will be awarded each spring for the following fall session.
Eligibility – The applicant must be a United States military veteran who is VFW eligible or a related family member of. That is, he or she must be a spouse, son or daughter, granddaughter or grandson, great-granddaughter or great-grandson, or brother or sister of a veteran who is/was eligible for membership into the VFW. That veteran need not be a current member, however. Proof of eligibility is required (DD Form 214) and must be included with their application. The applicant must be a current or enrolling student at College of DuPage enrolled in classes.
VFW Eligible – You’re eligible if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen who has served honorably in an overseas conflict
- Received a campaign medal for overseas service
- Served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea
- Received hostile fire or imminent danger pay
Criteria – Financial need shall not be a factor in awarding scholarships. The applicant must demonstrate self-motivation, leadership, and a commitment to community service based on the following:
- Social behavior
- Community involvement
- Patriotism
- An essay stating why the applicant has decided to return to school and how the applicant intends to use their education to better themselves and their community
Selection process – A fair, equitable, and unbiased measurement system will be used by the Woodridge VFW Scholarship Committee to weigh factors for all criteria. All selections will be done with applicant’s name or other identifying marks removed from their submissions.
Awards – No cash awards will be made. Payments will only be used for textbooks, supplies, and incidental fees – NOT for tuition fees. In the event the entire amount is not used, the remainder will be returned to the Post Scholarship Fund, after a period of 5 years. Payment will be made directly to a Financial Officer of the College of DuPage, in the student’s account.
Deadlines – The deadline for student applications is April 15th. The selection process will be made no later than May 31st.
Woodridge VFW Post 1578 